25 | durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, September 15, 2022 | Living at Winchester Glen Retirement Residence: a personal experience Hi, My name is Ann and I am a resident at Winchester Glen Retire- ment Community, I would like to share my experience on Retirement living with you from one Senior to another. "Retirement" - it's an easy word to say and spell but when "Home" is added to it then it becomes something totally different. Retire- ment Home! ME ?! NEVER !!! I refused to even think about it. My husband and I had lived our entire lives in our home on a nice piece of property where we had our garden, patio, big back yard, wildlife and more. Contemplating moving after his passing was something I just brushed away. Leaving my memories, my independence, and MY home - No thanks! No Retirement Home for me! I was going to keep what I had. Then Covid hit, while I was having some health issues. My kids wanted me to consider looking at Winchester Glen. I looked (not too hard at first) then as time went on and I went back to look more, it didn't seem that bad. I took the plunge and moved in May. It's coming up to 5 months and I cannot tell you how it has changed my life for the better.This is a beautiful new home with a wide variety of modern suites, phenomenal staff, great activities and the food is exceptional! I have been fortunate enough to meet quite a few seniors while they are taking tours of my home and I would like to point out some common questions/concerns that usually arise: 1)Is it an old age home? Well, it is for seniors, but I can assure you that we are active and enjoying life here! We have a theatre where we gather to watch sporting events and movies.There is a pub located on the 2nd floor where we enjoy cocktails while 2501 Thoroughbred Street, Oshawa Call to book a tour: 905.401.2501 W e Wa n t yo u t o e x p e r i e n c e l i f e at t h e G l e n a DV e r t o r i a l listening to live entertainment, common lounge where we play cards, shoot a game of pool, work on a jigsaw puzzle, go to our fitness room, hobby room, outdoor patio or just sit and chat. 2)How difficult was the transition? Any change is hard and as we age, change is harder. Some of us are making the change without our spouse, some are relocating from a different part of the province to be closer to their family and some are moving for health and safety reasons.The decision to move was hard… but once it was made, I found everything else quite easy! I settled in quickly and feel very at home here. And Hey! I have 5 kids, so the actual move was conducted with free child labour… available for rent if needed.! 3)Is it affordable? For me personally it's comparable to having my home. Here, all utilities are included, phone, cable, internet, and an emergency pendant. There are no maintenance fees, no utility fees, no property taxes - one bill, no stress! 4)I'm concerned about COVID lockdowns! Yes, the first 2 years of Covid were stressful but I must say I would prefer this envi- ronment than being alone in my previous home. Retirement homes follow the direction from Public Health and the RHRA to ensure we remain safe and well by daily checks. You are still able to come and go as you please but if you are sick, you are asked to stay isolated for the protection of others. Covid hit everyone emotionally hard due to lack of contact with the "human world", here you don't have to worry about that lack of contact. 5)The area seems quite busy. Most of Durham Region is growing and yes, it is a densely populated area, however, I am happy with the closeness of everything I would need. ie. Costco, banks, restaurants, grocery stores, pet food, pharmacy and more! These are all a short 2-3 minute drive away. Let's face it, most retirement homes are built in areas like this that cater to the needs of Seniors, so they don't need to be driving on the busy roads for long. 6)Did your kids make you come here? As mentioned earlier, my kids really wanted me to consider Retirement Living a few years after my husband passed away. It's always difficult when you are still the parent, but you feel that your kids are making decisions for you. The final decision was mine, but I realize now how much peace of mind they get knowing that I am in a safe environment and very much enjoying life now! I don't begrudge them that. 7)How was it making new friends? I have been very fortunate to meet some wonderful new friends that had the same fears and concerns that I had. Everyone is very kind and caring and you feel like they have been your friends and neighbours for years. 8)What about my pets? I am happy to share that Winchester is pet friendly and my cat Lucky is also thrilled with her new home! She gets a lot more attention here! For anyone considering Retirement Living, I can honestly say this transi- tion has improved my quality of life and I wish I had moved sooner. Come for a tour here at Winchester, you may be pleasantly surprised! You can even ask for me by name! " Ann t h i S c o n t e n t Wa S f u n D e D a n D a p p r o V e D B y t h e a D V e r t i S e r